News Notes
Another South Asian is looking to join the Charlotte City Council along with current council member, Dimple Ajmera.
Saathee recently submitted questions to Namrata. Here are the questions and responses.
Saathee: Why did you decide to run and what is your main goal for running?
Namrata Yadav (NY) I decided to run for Charlotte City Council At-Large because our city is at a critical crossroads. As a mom, immigrant, corporate executive, and community advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how many hardworking families are being left behind in a city that’s growing rapidly but unevenly. I came to this country at 23, started at community college, worked my way up in corporate America, and led initiatives focused on economic mobility and workforce development. But I realized that real, lasting change also requires courageous leadership in public office.
The same old way of doing things isn’t working anymore. Charlotte deserves leaders who will bring fresh ideas, bold solutions, and lived experience to the table. I’m running to help build a city where every neighborhood can thrive — where housing is affordable, jobs pay a living wage, and government is accountable to the people.
As an immigrant who came to this country at 23, started at community college, and built a career in corporate America leading diversity and economic mobility initiatives, I know the power of opportunity — and how many barriers still exist for working families. My main goal in running for Charlotte City Council At-Large is to help build a city where those opportunities are available to everyone, not just a privileged few.
Charlotte is growing rapidly, but too many are being left behind. I’m running to make sure we invest in affordable housing, create pathways to good-paying jobs, and ensure that growth is inclusive and equitable. I want to bring fresh, bold leadership to the table — grounded in lived experience, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to making Charlotte work for all of us.
Saathee: What are the three top priorities for you, if elected.
NY: My plan is rooted in ABC — Accountability, Business-driven solutions, and Community engagement and safety:
1. Accountability
Charlotte deserves leaders who show up, tell the truth, and put people over politics. I’ll prioritize transparency, fiscal responsibility, and data-informed decision-making to rebuild trust in local government.
2. Business-Driven Solutions for Economic Mobility
With my background in corporate leadership and workforce development, I know how to bring the private and public sectors together to create good-paying jobs, invest in small businesses, and expand vocational training opportunities that lead to long-term success for working families.
3. Community Engagement and Safety
True public safety starts with strong neighborhoods. I’ll work to ensure our communities are heard and supported—with investments in youth programs, mental health services, and first responders, while addressing the root causes of crime through housing and opportunity.
Saathee: What would you do to create more transparency for elected officials.
NY: Transparency builds trust—and right now, that trust is broken. As a City Council member, I would push for clear, consistent reporting of how votes are cast, how money is spent, and how decisions are made. I support creating a public accountability dashboard that tracks council members’ attendance, voting records, and community engagement — so residents can see who’s truly working for them.
I’d also advocate for more accessible town halls, language-inclusive communication, and publishing plain-language summaries of key issues before votes. Government should work with the people, not behind closed doors — and I’ll lead with openness, honesty, and accountability.
Saathee: Why should voters consider you for the job?
NY: I’m not a career politician—I’m a problem-solver who’s ready to listen, lead, and get to work for our city. Whether you’re new to Charlotte or have called it home for generations, you deserve a government that works for you — and with you.
To the South Asian community and all immigrant families in Charlotte: your voice matters. I want to be a bridge between our communities and city government — so our cultures, values, and concerns are reflected in the decisions being made. Representation matters, and together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable Charlotte.
